SBS Model Macchi 202 & 205 Cockpit Set 1:48

[Mike]

Macchi 202 & 205 Cockpit Set (for Hasegawa)
1:48 SBS Model

The MC.202 & 205 were of the same design lineage, and consequentially had very similar cockpit, with the main differences being the power plant and armaments. SBS have crafted these two very similar cockpits in a mixed media kit that contains resin, Photo-Etch (PE) and clear acetate film. The sets are different enough to warrant separate boxings, so make sure you pick up the right one. They both arrive in SBS's nice little card box, with a picture of the set on the front. Inside is a bag of resin parts, a separate card-backed bag for the PE and acetate, plus a single sheet of instructions, which are well drawn, clear, and have painting call-outs that are so often missing from aftermarket sets.

C.202 Folgore

The main differences are in the instrument panel, with the rest of construction common between them. The kit cockpit is designed with inserts for the sidewalls, and the resin replacements for these are much more detailed, and are improved further by the addition of some PE levers and trim-wheel. The cockpit floor is very finely engraved with floor panelling, and has a delicate webwork of supports for the seat, all moulded as a single part, with flash to be cut away with a sharp blade. The curved rudder rests are added from PE parts, utilising the kit rudder pegs, and a new resin control column. The seat is also resin with moulded in belts, while the headrest and armour are PE, with additional PE belt-tops that join to the resin stubs at the top of the seat back. A rear-view mirror is fitted to the top of the windscreen hoop to replace the thicker kit part.

C.205 Folgore

The instrument panel on both sets is a multi-layered assembly, which is happily shown on the instructions in both an exploded-diagram, and in a completed state, so you can check your work. Using three layers of film and three PE panels that attach to the resin back-plate, you also add a kit part, PE and film rendition of the gun-sight. Where the two sets differ is in the central lower panel, which is larger on the 202, and also has an extended lower panel to the right of the pilot's knees. The additional levers that are added to the panel are identical, with just one extra on the central panel of the 202.

Painting
As mentioned above, there is a colour diagram at the end of the instructions, using generic names or FS numbers for the correct colours, and if you paint the backs of the film panels white before construction, you will be able to see the faces of the pre-printed dial through the PE panel.

Conclusion
SBS have impressed us greatly since we became aware of their products, and these sets are well up to muster, correcting what I consider to be a weakness of a lot of Hasegawa kits when measured against modern standards. The resin is well cast, casting blocks sensibly placed, and the PE of a very high quality. Add the clear, concise instructions into the mix, and you have a top line product that is difficult not to like. It's also good to know that your hard-earned cash will be going to a thoroughly nice, cheerful gent.

Very highly recommended.

C.202 Folgore & C.205 Veltro (scroll down to see the individual sets)

Review sample courtesy of